Born: March 26, 1955 (California)
Biography:
Ann Meyers Drysdale (born Ann Elizabeth Meyers; March 26, 1955) is an American former basketball player and sportscaster who made a significant impact on women’s basketball. From her outstanding career in high school, college, and the professional levels, to her contributions as a sportscaster and executive, Meyers has been a trailblazer and role model for generations of female athletes.
Born on March 26, 1955, Meyers grew up as the sixth child of Patricia and Bob Meyers in California. She came from a family with a strong basketball background, as her father had played guard for Marquette University and for the professional team Shooting Stars in Milwaukee. One of Meyers’ brothers, Dave, was also an All-American at UCLA and played for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Meyers’ athletic talent manifested early in her life. She attended Cornelia Connelly High School and later Sonora High School in La Habra, California. In high school, Meyers excelled in multiple sports, becoming a standout athlete in softball, badminton, field hockey, tennis, and, of course, basketball. Her all-around skills and dedication to the game set her apart from her peers.
During her high school years, Meyers made history by becoming the first player to be part of the U.S. national team while still in high school. This was a testament to her exceptional talent and potential as a basketball player.
After graduating from Sonora High School, Meyers took her skills to the collegiate level, accepting a four-year athletic scholarship to play basketball at UCLA. This was also a groundbreaking achievement, as Meyers became the first woman to be signed to a four-year athletic scholarship for college. Her time at UCLA proved to be fruitful, as she became a key player and led her team to the first-ever Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) National Championship in 1978.
Meyers’ success continued beyond college. In 1979, she broke another barrier by becoming the first woman to sign a contract with a National Basketball Association (NBA) team. The Indiana Pacers signed Meyers for a significant sum of $50,000, demonstrating their recognition of her talent and contribution to the sport. While Meyers was the first woman to sign an NBA contract, it’s worth mentioning that her USA World Champion teammate, Lusia Lucy Harris-Stewart, was technically the first and only woman to be drafted by an NBA team – the New Orleans Jazz in 1977 – although she never intended to attend tryouts. Denise Long, from Iowa, was the first woman to be drafted by an NBA team – the San Francisco Warriors in 1969 – but the NBA commissioner voided the pick. Therefore, Harris-Stewart’s draft selection and Meyers’ contract signing hold historical significance.
As Meyers continued to make strides in her basketball career, she also faced challenges along the way. Throughout her professional career, she encountered skepticism and prejudice, but Meyers persevered and became a role model for aspiring female basketball players. Her accomplishments and character inspired many to pursue their dreams, proving that women could excel in sports traditionally dominated by men.
After retiring from basketball, Meyers shifted her focus to the world of sports broadcasting. For over 26 years, she served as a network television sports analyst for prominent channels such as TNT, ESPN, CBS, and NBC. Her expertise and insight were highly valued, and she became a respected voice in the field.
Meyers also ventured into the realm of sports administration, holding executive positions in various organizations. She served as the president and general manager for the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Phoenix Mercury and as a vice president for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Phoenix Suns. Her contributions to these organizations helped shape the future of women’s basketball and brought increased recognition to the sport.
In recognition of her remarkable career and contributions to women’s basketball, Meyers was inducted into numerous prestigious halls of fame. In 1993, she became one of the first women players to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. She was also part of the inaugural class at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, further cementing her status as a true pioneer of the game. Additionally, Meyers was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2007, solidifying her impact on the international stage.
Throughout her life, Ann Meyers Drysdale has been an inspiration to countless athletes and a driving force for gender equality in sports. Her achievements, both on and off the court, have established her as an iconic figure in women’s basketball history. By breaking barriers, overcoming adversity, and excelling at the highest levels of the sport, Meyers has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
Awards:
– Inductee, Basketball Hall of Fame (1993)
– Inductee, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)
– Inductee, FIBA Hall of Fame (2007)